As someone who is passionate about technology, this is my blog designed to help educate people about social media. As well, I want to use this social media forum to bring our growing tech community together.

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In memory of 1st Lt Roslyn Schulte

When military and civilian employees gather for the Nov. 2-5 Alamo AFCEA Cyber Symposium, I hope they remember the life of 1st Lt. Roslyn Schulte, an intelligence officer killed in Afghanistan in 2009. At an AFCEA luncheon yesterday, it was my job to discuss how to fully deploy social media tools to get the word out about the four-day conference which is part of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce’s Celebrate America’s Military Week. As communities with military bases go, San Antonio understands the contributions of our military. Yet Schulte’s death shows us that some have given more than others in the defense our nation’s strategic objectives. Speaking before about 100 people at the AFCEA monthly luncheon yesterday, Col. Clayton Perce, now director of management systems, Air Force Services Agency, began to tear up when he discussed Schulte’s role in Afghanistan. “I know that when Memorial Day comes around, I will always remember her,” he said. Schulte, an Air Force Academy graduate, chose intelligence over flying a plane. In an Associated Press article published after her death, a reporter noted: “In her third year, she decided to pursue military intelligence instead of aviation, believing she could do more for her country in that role, said her brother, Todd, 28.” Perce discussed the role of Schulte in working with the Afghan coalition forces. Assigned as part of the NATO headquarters staff, Schulte worked with her Afghan allies in building an intelligence network. Driving from her NATO headquarters to another military post, Schulte was killed by a roadside bomb. Colonel Perce spoke about her role as a woman officer in a country where many fathers don’t want their daughters educated or treated by a male doctor. Yet, somehow, Schulte’s professionalism overcame the stigma of her gender. As part of the chamber’s CAM festivities, we should celebrate people like Schulte. Military professionals like her have paid the ultimate sacrifice.